This report is based on a survey of 166 women owning businesses, as well as focus group discussions (FGDs) and case study research. The research included both registered and unregistered businesses. A registered business is defined as a business that has a business permit, a tourism permit and/or a business license for 2023. Of the 166 women surveyed, 93 were operating registered and 73 were operating unregistered businesses.
The survey found that access to capital was the most common challenge women faced when starting their business, followed by family obligations because of which they struggled to find enough time to work in the business. Too much competition was the third most important challenge.
While access to capital was the main challenge when setting up, the main challenge when running a business was too much competition, followed by access to capital. In addition, COVID-19, cyclones and natural disasters, and lack of time of experience running a business were also among the top five challenges.
Read the Report here.